Restaurants & Movies Bonus Category - My Rant

Another quarter where I will not be able to max out my Discover bonus category. There is no way we are going to spend $1,500 dining out. Sorry. Too much of a waste of money. And, frankly, Mr. Jones is better on a grill than most of the local steak houses.

And movies? Are you kidding me??? I get a better discount on tickets buying the packages at Costco.

The only reason I don't shred this card at this time is there is no annual fee.

If you want just one card to use all the time, you should find a 1.5% or 2% card. Suggestions include Quicksilver and Quicksilver One from Capital One. The new Chase Freedom Unlimited. And the Citi DoubleCash.

If you want a "bonus category" card to combine with one of those, check out the BlueCash Preferred or BlueCash Everyday from Amex. Always bonus points in the same categories, including groceries, gas, and department stores.

Personally, I have soured on the rotating category cards. My experience is they encourage binge spending. And as I try to keep things simple, they don't help. The almost require adding a second or third card so you are not stuck with 1% rewards. And even signing up for the bonus categories can become a hassle for some.

All that being said, Discover is still offering to double first year rewards for new card members. So, if you don't have a Discover it card, now may be the time.

Just remember that Discover and Amex have the best customer service. It's not always about the points.

Anyway, you may want to check out the it Miles card. More of a straight 1.5x points on each $1 you spend. And you can take the points out as cash back. That may better fill your needs, and let you stay with Discover.